03 Jan 2017

IFA Rural Development Chairman, Joe Brady has called on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to ensure that all 38,000 farmers are paid the promised 85% GLAS payment without any further delay.

Joe Brady said that while the commencement of GLAS 1 and 2 payments over the past week is welcome, it would appear from feedback IFA is getting on the ground that there are many who have yet to be paid. Excuses such as IT issues are wearing very thin and if problems persist in this area, the Minister must intervene.

In relation to GLAS 3, the IFA Rural Development Chairman said all 14,000 farmers who applied must be accepted into the scheme, including the 830 Tier 3 farmers. This will bring the total in the scheme to around 52,000 farmers and well within the annual allocated amount of €250m promised in the 2014-2020 RDP. Scope exists to bring in additional farmers later this year.

Joe Brady said that GLAS 3 farmers must be notified of their acceptance into the scheme before the end of January. This will allow full year payment to be made later in 2017.